Some problems I encountered while practicing just now... On Huge and Gigantic, it's very difficult to play with the TC by the sea.
Firstly, it could take me quite some time to locate a nice spot, get rid of nearby gators, then get the TC built. Usually it's something like 3min+ when I find the sweet spot (forest with 2 or 3 SF). When I get the TC built it's already about 5min.
Also, as the game develops, I'll be having most of my base very close to the sea. If the enemy strikes, I'm likely to lose the bulk of my econ.
One more question. Do I always have to go for a forest + FS combination when looking for a sweet spot? What about lots of SF + some stragglers? I understand that the first pit might be a problem later on because of wood shortage, but this way I should be able to plant my TC down earlier.
Lastly, if I'm lucky and find a spot with forest and berries, would it be better than a spot by the sea?